*From Panama to Costa Rica
14 days / 13 nights
$1869
P/P Double Occupancy
Enjoy it all at one time: a cosmopolitan capital, pristine Bocas del Toro archipelago, Puerto Viejo’s Caribbean atmosphere, exuberant flora and fauna in Tortuguero and an active Arenal volcano. This program offers you a unique tour of the very best sights of both, Panama and Costa Rica.
Day 1 Arrival in Panama City
After you arrived to Panama City you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your city hotel. Enjoy your free evening at the hotel or go out and explore the cosmopolitan down town, the delicious restaurants and lively night life. Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador in Panama City
Day 2 Panama City Tour (B)
On today’s city tour you will learn more about the unique and interesting history of the capital. The first sight will be the enormous sky scrapers, the posh mansions and a traditional market. The next sight is the colonial part of the city, the so called “Casco Antiguo”. Here you will see historical buildings, squares and churches. You will then continue to the Causeway and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and the canal. To make this day perfect you will also visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. From this unique spot you will be able to Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador in Panama City
Day 3 Panama Canal Train Ride & Portobelo Tour (B)
After breakfast you will drive to the Corozal passenger station to take the train. Enjoy this historical and scenic ride along the Panama Canal passing small towns and lush rainforest. During this one hour ride of 70 km you will have plenty of time to remember the history of the pirates searching for gold as well as all the people involved in the hard and difficult construction of the canal. Up on arrival in Colon you will continue to the picturesque bay side town of Portobello, where you will have the chance to see the ruins of four Spanish forts, renovated custom house and the local church where the “Black Christ” is exhibited. Once upon a time Portobello was the most important shipping point for the Spanish. They transported the stolen treasures of the Inca Empire to Europe. Portobelo was as well the favourite target of the pirates like for instance Sir Francis Drake from England. Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador in Panama City
Day 4 Panama City – Bocas del Toro (B)
After breakfast our representative will pick you up and bring you to the domestic airport to catch your flight to Bocas del Toro, a beautiful Caribbean archipelago. After your arrival you will be welcomed and transferred to your home for the next two nights: the Bocas del Toro Hotel. Enjoy the free afternoon and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities, the pristine beaches and the laid-back atmosphere of Bocas town. Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Toro in Bocas del Toro
Day 5 Bocas (B)
After breakfast you will be picked up at the pier. After a short boat ride you will reach Laguna Bocatorito where you will have the chance to see dolphins. Then continue to Cayo Coral Reef to do some snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Next stop will be at Zapatilla Cays for some swimming and to enjoy the tranquillity of the beach. Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Toro in Bocas del Toro
Day 6 Bocas (B)
Enjoy your free day in Bocas del Toro. Explore the charming village and the beautiful beaches on your own or take an optional tour and discover the archipelago. Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Toro in Bocas del Toro
Day 7 Bocas – Puerto Viejo (B)
Today you will leave Panama and travel further to Costa Rica. Take the ferry from Bocas to the mainland where our representative will take care of you and transfer you to Puerto Viejo. On the border you will have to get your passport stamped. Please remember that Costa Rican time is one hour behind Panama time. Overnight at the Hotel Escape Caribeño in Puerto Viejo
Day 8 Puerto Viejo (B)
Enjoy the free day in the Caribbean village Puerto Viejo. Get to know your new surrounding and take an optional tour or just sunbathe at one of the pristine beaches. Overnight at the Hotel Escape Caribeño in Puerto Viejo
Day 9 Puerto Viejo – Tortuguero (D)
In the early morning you will be transferred to Siquirres. A representative of Mawamba Lodge will welcome you and bring you to Cano Blanco Port, where you will board a boat. The destination where you are about to go, is only accessible by boat and small aircrafts. Enjoy the ride along the scenic canals of Tortuguero National Park and admire the exuberant flora and fauna. This zone is considered to be Costa Rica’s most popular ecotourism destination. The natural canals and rivers are a study in rainforest, freshwater and marina biology. As Tortuguero is considered to be one of the world’s major nesting sites for the Atlantic green turtle, you have the chance to see these great creatures between July and October. For lunch you will go back to Mawamba Lodge. In the afternoon a tour to the village is scheduled by the lodge. Learn more about the history, culture and work in favour of conservation of flora and fauna in general and of course of sea turtles. Overnight at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 10 Tortuguero (B, L, D)
In the morning you will explore the canals of Tortuguero by boat and get detailed information on the large variety of birds and the flora and fauna. Lunch will be served at the lodge. Then take an afternoon hike to the hill of Tortuguero and enjoy the impressive views on the valley. On the way it is easy to spot different species of inhabitants like sloths, monkeys, turtles, iguanas, caimans, poison arrow frogs and many birds and insects including the shiny blue butterfly (Morpho peleides). Overnight at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 11 Tortuguero – Arenal (B)
In the morning you will travel by boat and bus back to Siquirres, where you will have lunch. Then you will take a shuttle transfer to the area of Arenal volcano. The sensation of the flawless silhouette of the volcano, its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash is a must to see. In the afternoon you will go to the Tabacon hot springs. Enjoy a soothing and kind treatment at the hot springs while having a precious view of the erupting Arenal Volcano. To make this day perfect you will have a delicious dinner at Tabacon Resort. Overnight at the Volcano Lodge in Arenal
Day 12 La Fortuna Waterfall (B)
You will experience a scenic horseback ride to the La Fortuna waterfalls. Enjoy Costa Rica’s untouched country site, pass by cattle farms and agriculture and spot toucans and many other birds. After arriving at the forest you will take a short hike which leads you to the waterfall of 70 meters height. Take a refreshing dip in the natural pool on the base of the waterfall. Enjoy the calm surrounding for about one hour. Enjoy the free afternoon. Overnight at the Volcano Lodge in Arenal
Day 13 Arenal – San José (B)
In the morning our representative will pick you up and bring you to the hotel Fleur de Lys in the centre of San José. Take advantage of this central location and take a walk through the main avenue, do some shopping and drink a coffee in a cozy restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Fleur de Lys in San José
Day 14 San José - Departure (B)
Today you will be transferred to the International Airport Juan Santamaria to catch your flight back home – or wherever you want to travel next.
Prices Include
- Meet & Greet at the airport
- Private and shuttle transfers on an A/C motorcoach throughout the whole itinerary
- Accommodations as mentioned (or similar)
- Meals as mentioned
- Panama City Tour
- Train Ride & Portobelo Tour
- Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour
- Arenal Volcano Hike & Hot Springs
- La Fortuna waterfall Tour
- Local Flight Panama City – Bocas del Toro
Prices Do Not Include
- Airport Departure Taxes US$ 26.00 per person
- Optional tours
- Voluntary tips
- Beverages
- Additional meals
- All extras in the hotels
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- Minimum 2 passengers
- Domestic flights & boat transfers have a luggage restriction of 25 pounds per person
- Rates are valid from Nov 1, 2008 – Oct 31, 2009
